Arsenal target Oğuzhan Özyakup rules out January transfer move to focus on Besiktas title push

Oğuzhan Özyakup has been linked with a move back to the Emirates three years after leavingGetty

Arsenal target Oğuzhan Özyakup has ruled out a move away from Besiktas in the January transfer window. Özyakup is a former Gunners youngster, having joined the club's academy in 2008. However he failed to make the step up into Arsene Wenger's first team plans on a permanent basis, making just one appearance for the club in a League Cup match in 2011.

Since returning to his homeland in 2012, the midfielder has grown into an important member of the first team for Besiktas and Turkey, with his rise also reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United.

According to talkSPORT, Wenger believes the 23-year-old could help bolster his midfield options and is considering resigning the club's former youngster. But with Besiktas top of the Turkish Super Lig and eyeing their first domestic title in seven years, Özyakup insists he has no intention of jumping ship.

"There are a lot of rumours but I am not interested. My only goal is to win the league with Besiktas this season," Özyakup told reporters after Turkey's 2-1 win over Qatar on 13 November, Turkish Football reports.

Arsenal also continue to be persistently linked with a move for Celta Vigo forward Nolito. The Spain international has been integral to the club's excellent start to the season, contributing seven goals and four assists in seven games. According to Spanish daily AS, the Gunners are more than ready to activate his €18m (£12.6m) release clause in the January window.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, who coached the player at Barcelona B and Celta, is keen to bring him to the Nou Camp, but so far has seen his requests turned down by the club's board, who are trying to address the club's delicate financial situation.